Where to go, what to eat and things to do in New Zealand

If you're heading to New Zealand and can't figure out how to spend your time in the beautiful island nation, we've got you covered. From the must-visit destination to fun eats and activities, here's everything you need to know:

The Activity

Take a kayak out on the lake at the Wairamino Adventure Park at sundown and watch the canyons begin to glow, thanks to a gazillion bioluminescent larvae. To truly feel the magic, get in all the Pinot Noir and blue cheese before the army of ducks do.

The Food

Done surfing on the turquoise waters of Muriwai beach? Head to The Tasting Shed for some home-style global fare: Try the lamb shoulder with Middle- Eastern Romesco sauce, and the Stingray asam laksa with puffed rice, topped off with a rhubarb-soaked blush gin martini. If you're lucky, Singaporean-Tamil co-owner Ganesh Raj will guide you through your meal.

The Destination

Spend half a day at Hobbiton in Matamata, a few hours from Auckland, with enough Instagrammable landscape, cider at the Green Dragon, and Ringers peddling about to educate you about the difference between "hill" and "overhill".